Manitoba Climate Change Task Force - International Institute for ...

1. Introduction
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MCCTF Report 2001 — Manitoba and Climate Change: Investing in our future
“The evidence of dramatic effects from changes in the earth’s climate is mounting…
With our natural advantages, our research base and the active interest of our youth
and schools, Manitoba is ideally situated to demonstrate leadership in climate
change public policy.”
Premier Gary Doer
In the next few years, the
government of Manitoba will be making some of the most significant and
long-term investment decisions the province has ever faced. Many of these
choices will be linked to or influenced by climate change, such as those related
to water management in the Red River Valley, construction of permanent roads
in Manitoba’s north, and development of new hydroelectric projects. It is essential
that these decisions and others be made with a full understanding of the risk
factors, opportunities and state of climate conditions as they can be expected to
evolve in the coming decades.
This report is a first step towards developing an understanding of climate change
needed by Manitobans to be involved in making these difficult decisions. The
information and advice it contains have been intended to provide a basis from
which the government of Manitoba can develop its climate change action plan,
due to be unveiled later this year. It is also meant to contribute to the public’s
understanding of the issues and provide a basis for developing consensus on the
next steps to be taken by the provincial government and by Manitobans.